If a person pleads guilty or is found to be guilty following a trial they may be placed on probation as a form of punishment. Quite simply, probation means that the individual does not have to go to jail or prison at all. however, in exchange for not being incarcerated, the individual is has to follow rigid rules and restrictions. For example, the individual will be required to avoid additional criminal offenses and may have to undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation, follow all treatment recommendations and submit to random weekly drug tests. Failure to abide by all the rules and restrictions will result in a violation of probation and may result in incarceration for the balance of you probationary term.
The most common types of probation are as follows:
Intensive Supervised Probation. This is the most restrictive form of probation. In this program individuals are assigned a probation officer and must meet with their probation officer either in person or on the phone 8-12 times a month. Meetings will take place at all hours of the day, 7 days a week. Additional stipulations may include the payment of fines, having a verifiable address, drug and/or alcohol testing, drug and/or alcohol treatment, paying victim restitution, obtaining and maintaining employment, community service and travel restrictions.
Supervised Probation. This is a less intensive program than the intensive supervised probation but still requires meeting with a probation officer, only less frequently. Individuals still must avoid any additional criminal charges while on probation. Additional stipulations may require paying fines, having a verifiable address, drug and/or alcohol testing, drug and/or alcohol treatment, paying victim restitution, obtaining and maintaining employment, community service and travel restrictions.
Unsupervised Probation. Under this form of probation the individual is not being directly monitored or required to check in with a probation officer. Due to the fact that it is unsupervised, this form of probation is reserved for those charged with minor and non-violent crimes. It is important to note that even if there is no direct probation officer to report to that the individual still must comply with any and all conditions and requirements. Conditions may require the payment of fines, having a verifiable address, drug and/or alcohol testing, drug and/or alcohol treatment, paying victim restitution, obtaining and maintaining employment, community service and travel restrictions. Any violation of this form of probation may result in incarceration and/or being switched to supervised probation.
The requirements and options for probation differ in each state and for state or federal charges. Individuals wishing to avoid jail time through probation are encouraged to seek a knowledgeable criminal attorney who can review these different options with you. Attorney Craig Penglase is a former Bucks County Assistant District Attorney who has almost 20 years experience representing criminal defendants and obtaining probationary sentences for them. He is available to discuss these options with you either by emailing him through this site or calling him at 215-348-4416.
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